Wo-cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Make quick slider sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, smoked paprika, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate while you prepare the rest.

Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — do not overwork (about 20–30 seconds).

Divide the seasoned beef into 6 equal portions (about 4 ounces / 110 g each). Lightly form each portion into a loose, flat patty roughly the diameter of your slider buns (about 2 1/2–3 inches). Press a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to promote even cooking.

Thinly slice or separate the yellow onion into half-moon slices and set aside. Cut each American cheese slice in half if desired to fit sliders.

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot (about 3–4 minutes). If using a nonstick skillet, heat similarly.

Lightly oil the skillet with a neutral oil or a quick swipe of butter. Add the patties in a single layer without overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.

Cook patties 2–3 minutes on the first side without pressing down, until the edges begin to brown and juices start to collect on top.

Flip the patties and immediately place a half-slice of American cheese on each patty. Cook another 1.5–2 minutes, until cheese is melted and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done, or 145–150°F if you prefer medium. Remove patties to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) or keep skillet on medium-low. Place slider buns cut-side up on a baking sheet. Brush the insides with melted butter (reserve a little to brush tops) and sprinkle the thinly sliced onions evenly over the bun bottoms.

Toast the buns in the oven 4–6 minutes until lightly golden and the onions soften, or toast in the skillet cut-side down until golden (about 1–2 minutes). If desired, brush the tops lightly with melted butter and toast briefly to warm.

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce on each bun bottom. Place a cheeseburger patty on each sauced bun bottom. Top each patty with two pickle slices (or as desired). Cap with the bun tops.

If serving immediately and wanting the buns and cheese to meld, place assembled sliders on a sheet pan, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Transfer sliders to a serving platter. Sprinkle optional chopped parsley over the tops for color. Serve remaining sauce on the side. Enjoy warm.